Forest Hills Gardens , 5210 Lets Go with Farmer Joe

At A Glance

Location: 

Jackman, Maine

Primary Issue Area:

  • Food

Active since:

2011

Core volunteers:

5

Our Purpose

Our replicable immersion style concept with no cost to the town is multi-faceted. In 2011 starting simply on our library windowsill to kitchen system proving sustainable greens growing was vible while creating an educational learning opportunity. With student effort along with admin/staff and community exceptance and support and some graciously awarded grants , our program has propelled from a library windowsill to 6 greenhouses and 2000 sq. ft. of open garden space. From this expansion we have developed collaborative science, S.T.E.M., agriculture and Leek Moth study opportuities for students with multiple County Co-operatives and National/International Universities .A Food/Palate development class for 4th grade and our sustainable agriculture/greenhouse class for 7th grade. To bring food security and gardening skills closer to home in spring , for the last 7 yrs. we donate N.E. garden kits to any interested student or community member. This concept has spread thru the county and with development is being used by 5 food pantries to help offset their rising needs.With the amount of needed effort increasing, our summer internship program was developed 4 years ago. Qualifying interested 7th graders entering 8th can earn 40+ community volunteer hrs. needed to graduate while helping to plant, maintain and harvest fresh foods for the school.